These Super-Hairy Flies Can 'Breathe' Underwater

Nov. 20, 2017 - These diving flies are perfectly suited to the conditions of Mono Lake, California. Mono Lake has highly alkaline waters, which make survival difficult for many creatures. These flies, however, have evolved to be 36% more hairy than the average fly. The extra hair creates a protective air bubble around their bodies so that they can dive into the otherwise harmful alkaline waters to feed and lay eggs. Because these diving flies have been able to thrive at Mono Lake, the ecosystem has grown to support many migrating birds that feed on flies. One seemingly small adaptation can have a considerable impact on the rest of the ecosystem. These hairy flies are bringing life back to Mono Lake.

These Super-Hairy Flies Can 'Breathe' Underwater

Nov. 20, 2017 - These diving flies are perfectly suited to the conditions of Mono Lake, California. Mono Lake has highly alkaline waters, which make survival difficult for many creatures. These flies, however, have evolved to be 36% more hairy than the average fly. The extra hair creates a protective air bubble around their bodies so that they can dive into the otherwise harmful alkaline waters to feed and lay eggs. Because these diving flies have been able to thrive at Mono Lake, the ecosystem has grown to support many migrating birds that feed on flies. One seemingly small adaptation can have a considerable impact on the rest of the ecosystem. These hairy flies are bringing life back to Mono Lake.